Dollar General, that go-to spot for quick bargains on everyday stuff, just hit a snag with one of its popular store-brand items. The discount chain pulled certain jars of its Clover Valley instant coffee off shelves nationwide after a shopper flagged a scary issue: bits of glass might be mixed in. This isn't the kind of surprise anyone wants in their morning cup, especially when you're just trying to kickstart the day without breaking the bank.
The whole thing kicked off when a customer reached out to the company about finding what looked like glass in their jar. Dollar General didn't waste time—they posted a voluntary recall notice on their website back on August 11. They're digging into where this contamination came from, and they've looped in the FDA to make sure everything's handled right. So far, no one's reported getting hurt or sick from it, which is a relief, but the risks aren't something to brush off.
Think about it: swallowing even small shards of glass could wreck your teeth, slice up your mouth or throat, or worse, cause real damage down in your gut by poking holes in your intestines. For guys who rely on that fast caffeine fix before heading out to work or tackling yard chores, this is a wake-up call to check what's in your pantry. It's not just about the coffee—it's about avoiding a trip to the ER that could sideline you for days.
The recall zeros in on specific batches of Clover Valley instant coffee. These are the 8-ounce jars, the kind that fit right on your kitchen counter for easy scooping. To spot if yours is affected, take a close look at the neck of the jar, right under the lid. The UPC code on the package is 876941004069. Then check the lot numbers stamped there: L-5163 with a best-by date of December 13, 2026; L-5164 also best by December 13, 2026; or L-5165 best by December 14, 2026. If any of that matches, don't even think about using it. Toss it straight in the trash to be safe.
This stuff was sold in Dollar General stores across a huge chunk of the country, from July 9 through July 21 this year. We're talking 46 states in total, pretty much everywhere except a handful like Alaska and Hawaii. If you're in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, or Wyoming, you might have picked up one of these jars. That's a lot of ground covered, from the East Coast factories to the Midwest farms and out to the Western mountains.
Dollar General's stepping up here, owning the problem and making it easy to get your money back. They want folks to throw out the recalled coffee right away—no need to risk it for a few bucks. If you've got questions or want a full refund, including any tax you paid, just shoot them an email at customercare@dollargeneral.com or give them a ring at 1-888-309-9030. It's straightforward, no hoops to jump through, which is good because who has time for complicated returns when life's already busy with work, family, and everything else?
This recall shines a light on why it's smart to stay on top of these alerts, especially with budget brands that help stretch your dollar. Dollar General's known for keeping costs low on basics like coffee, but glitches like this remind us that even reliable spots can have off days. The company's apologizing for the hassle and says they're working hard to figure out the root cause—maybe a glitch in the manufacturing line or something in the supply chain. Either way, they're committed to fixing it so shoppers can keep trusting their products.
For anyone who's a regular at Dollar General, this might make you double-check labels more often. It's not paranoia; it's just being practical. After all, that instant coffee is a staple for quick mornings—mix it up, grab your thermos, and you're out the door. But if glass is in the mix, it's a whole different story. Health pros warn that even tiny pieces can lead to big problems, like internal bleeding or infections if they cut through your digestive system. No one's saying panic, but better safe than dealing with doctor bills and downtime.
In the bigger picture, recalls like this aren't rare in the food world, but they hit home when it's something as simple as coffee. Dollar General's handling it transparently, which builds some goodwill. They've got stores in small towns and big cities alike, serving folks who count on affordable options. If you're one of those guys stocking up on deals for the household, keep an eye on their website for updates. The FDA's involved, so expect them to monitor things closely too.
Bottom line: If you bought Clover Valley instant coffee lately, inspect that jar today. Match the details, and if it fits, ditch it and get your refund. It's a small step to avoid a potential mess. Dollar General's got your back on this one, but staying informed is key to keeping things smooth in your daily routine.
